Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill and Governor General Sir Michael Ogio have expressed their condolences to two distinguished Papua New Guineans, Justice Sao Gabi and senior journalist Jerry Ginua, who passed away over the weekend.

The Prime Minister at a media conference at Parliament House yesterday passed, on behalf of the government, sympathies to the family of Justice Gabi and Mr Ginua. "Justice Gabi is a distinguished member of the legal profession and resident judge in Lae for quite some time and we express sympathies to his immediate family and extended family in Central Province," the Prime Minister said.

"Also we express our condolence to Jerry Ginua, one of the members of the media who has worked with many of us for many years. "He is a distinguished journalist in his own right and made a lot of contribution to his profession for many years and we extend our condolence to his immediate family and his own people from his village and region."

Sir Michael, in a separate statement, expressed great sadness at the passing of the Justice Gabi and Mr Ginua. He said the late judge, who started his career as a lawyer, had made his way up to becoming a National and Supreme Court judge. "Our country has lost a great judge and a dedicated servant of the people. On behalf of my wife Lady Esmie, I extend to the immediate family, friends and relatives of the late judge Juhstice Sao Gabi my condolences and heartfelt sympathies at this difficult time," he said.

Sir Michael also expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the children, family and colleagues of the Mr Ginua. He described Mr Ginua as one of the few journalists in the media industry who are dedicated to their profession with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of news and information concerning development and social issues in the country. Mr Ginua started his career as a television reporter with EM TV in the mid 1990s and recently moved to the National Broadcasting Commission’s Kundu 2 Television in 2009. "Like many Papua New Guineans, I used to look forward to watching the 6pm news on EM TV every evening a couple of years ago," Sir Michael said. "Watching television journalists like Jerry Ginua report on issues, whatever it be, meant you were informed of the latest news and events happening in the country. "One gets the sense of trust that only the likes of veteran and respected journalist like Jerry Ginua can convey. "The media fraternity has lost an outstanding journalist and mentor. "We share with you all our thoughts and prayers of comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace."